Neymar rejects Barcelona return: I want to stay at PSG

FT Desk

• 25 May 2022 16:50 BST
• 3 min read

Neymar has dismissed speculation linking him with a move away from Paris Saint-Germain, the Brazilian saying he is happy where he is.

Neymar joined PSG for a world record €222 million from Barcelona in 2017, and has racked up 100 goals and 60 assists in 144 games in all competitions for the recently-crowned French champions since.

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But the Brazilian has found himself somewhat in the shadow of Kylian Mbappe in recent seasons, the French superstar ending the current campaign as the top goalscorer and assister in the league.

Mbappe had been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer, only making a U-turn last weekend to sign a bumper contract extension with PSG reportedly worth nearly €5m per week and with a €100m-plus signing on fee.

Paris's Qatari owners aren't exactly financially-strapped, but reports had suggested they would be willing to accept around €90m for the Brazilian in an attempt to help balance their books.

But Neymar is having none of that, telling Spanish daily Sport in no uncertain terms that: "I want to stay at PSG."

Should PSG cash in on Neymar?

Neymar clearly still has it as a player, and after overcoming an ankle injury late last year he roared back to form, contributing 13 goals and six assists in the league at a rate of one every 98 minutes he played.

As well as completing the most mouth-watering final third in world football with Mbappe and Lionel Messi, Neymar also remains one of the most marketable players in world football, and PSG's brand is strengthened in being able to boast all three.

Angel Di Maria has also left the club, so PSG will want to stay well-stocked in the attacking department.

Real Madrid might be tempted to move for Ney in light of the Mbappe snub, but Barcelona president Joan Laoprta has said that any potential return would have to be on a free transfer.